Laccaic acid (inci)

Chemically, "Laccaic Acid" is a mixture of the various laccaic acids A, B, C, D and E, with laccaic acid A making up the major part. Laccaic acid is obtained from the red, resinous secretion of the female varnished scale insect "Kerria lacca", which is found on certain Ficus species in India. The substance is used to colour food and cosmetics. Its good light fastness and wash resistance was highly valued in the past. Laccaic acid is a carmine red dye with the molecular formula: C 26 H 19 NO 12 which is used in cosmetic formulations. The carboxylic acid is used as hair dye.

S.a. Shellac

Laccaic acid is classified as recommended. The substance is classified as unproblematic in terms of allergy.

The resin-covered branches are harvested and the dye is extracted from the resin. The resin removed from the branches is also called stock varnish and is used to make shellac. If the dye has not been extracted, the shellac is called ruby or garnet shellac or even flaky shellac orange according to its commercial form in thin, flaky pieces. Apart from India and the Far East, Laccaic acid is also used in Africa to dye cotton fabrics.